- #1 Crush
97% matchPositive87% of 23 reviews2017
Dev: VIS-GamesPub: SilentFuture
Windows
Crush is an old-school-styled shoot´em up. The game leads you through 7 challenging levels filled with action and great soundtracks. A must for all old-school shoot´em up fans!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.2%, Action 44.8%
- #2 Xenoslaive Overdrive
96% matchMixed55% of 11 reviews2017
Dev: EVXIO
Windows
Xenoslaive Overdrive is a fractal bullet shoot-em-up. Specially made for players to feel the thrill from various challenging aspects. Shoot! Survive all enemy bullets! Defeat their bosses, and save the world!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 55.4%, Action 44.6%
- #3 Hallo Spaceboy
96% match8 user reviews88% of 8 reviews2018
Dev: Zolden Games
Windows · Mac
Retro space shoot'em up with nice AI, physics, story and RPG elements.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60.7%, Action 39.3%
- #4 Platypus II
95% matchMixed60% of 596 reviews2014
Dev: IdigiconPub: Claymatic Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.8 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Fly the famed Platypus fighter through a fantastic landscape of carefully molded clay to protect inhabitants of Mungola from the Collosatropolians! Collect power-ups and bonus stars to give your Platypus the boost you need. Every level of this gorgeous arcade challenge bursts with original fun that's perfect for gamers of all ages.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.4%, Action 40.6%
- #5 Major Stryker
94% matchMostly Positive78% of 60 reviews2014
Dev: Apogee Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 6 minMean: 17.3 hrs≥1hr: 24%
In the not-so-distant future, the calamity of World War III led to eventual world peace. But, it didn't last. Earth was invaded by alien marauders - the Kretons. Earth's united military force, still depleted after the mighty onslaught of WWIII, was not nearly sufficient to repel the numerous Kreton attacks.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.8%, Action 42.2%
- #6 Zenohell
94% matchMostly Positive72% of 89 reviews2015
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 29%
Zenohell is a 90s inspired shoot-em'up (shmup) that is all about simple gameplay, just dodge, shoot, score, with vibrant pixel visuals and a kicking 28 track soundtrack, with lots of content to boot.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.6%, Action 42.4%
- #7 JUDGEMENT SILVERSWORD - Resurrection -
93% matchVery Positive95% of 97 reviews2015
Dev: QutePub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Two classic Wonderswan games, now on PC! Battle the mysterious Judges in Judgement Silversword. Cardinal Sins is a score trial marathon, based on the theme of the Seven Deadly Sins. Will you face Judgement?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.9%, Action 45.1%
- #8 Endless Wave
92% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2017
Dev: Snowdrop Lab
Windows
Endless Wave is wave style stg. 9 kinds of waves and 3 bosses are waiting for you. Manipulate fighter planes to defeat enemies approaching ! ・Endless wave style ・Neon style(Bullet) ・Minimum price
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.8%, Action 40.2%
- #9 Voxel Interceptor
91% matchMostly Positive78% of 18 reviews2017
Dev: NewAtlantisGameStudio
Windows
Now you can select your control style in 3 different ways!. 6 different upgradeable space interceptors, 9 different weapons. You can supply in your carrier and upgrade her defenses. Shoot enemies down. That's all.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 50.1%, Action 49.9%
- #10 Solar Shifter EX
91% matchMixed47% of 115 reviews2015
Dev: Elder GamesPub: Headup
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Warp into action with Solar Shifter EX. Man your ship and dive into fierce combat situations in space and over beautiful and distant planet surfaces. Solar Shifter EX is a sci-fi shoot 'em up with the unique ability to 'shift'.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 67.1%, Action 32.9%
- #11 Redux: Dark Matters
89% matchMixed55% of 38 reviews2014
Dev: KTX SoftwarePub: Signo & Arte
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 29%
Redux: Dark Matters is a fast-paced space shooting game with fresh scoring elements - a bastard-hard shooter and definitely a must have for every shmup fan!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.4%, Action 38.6%
- #12 Velocity®Ultra
89% matchMostly Positive75% of 282 reviews2013
Dev: Curve StudiosPub: Curve Games
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Velocity®Ultra is an award-winning top down shooter that puts you in control of the galaxy’s only Quarp Jet, an advanced spacecraft with the ability to teleport at will. Tasked with rescuing survivors from a collapsed black hole, you’ll need to use both firepower and quick-wits to catapult the Quarp Jet through 50 levels of sci-fi action.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60.6%, Action 39.4%
- #13 Battle Crust
88% matchPositive89% of 37 reviews2016
Dev: Picorinne Soft
Windows
"Battle Crust" is a 80's-90's arcade-style shooter. You make full use of "Charge shot" that is available by obtaining the item, And let's Complete all of the 6 stage!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.3%, Action 38.7%
- #14 Zenodyne R
87% matchVery Positive83% of 71 reviews2016
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 27%
Zenodyne R is a new 90s-style shoot-'em-up game filled with YM2612 music and real Blast Processing action, where your reflexes and patience will be tested in their entirety! Packed with 6 crazy stages filled wtih bosses, 5 unique ships, unlockables, branching paths and more!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.6%, Action 42.4%
- #15 Jet Buster
86% matchVery Positive90% of 62 reviews2017
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Jet Buster is the new 90s anthro shmup, going back to the cuter roots of the genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.2%, Action 38.8%
- #16 Fire Arrow Plus
86% matchVery Positive89% of 55 reviews2017
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Fire Arrow and Fire Arrow X are time attack style shooters with a heavy emphasis on scoring. Otherwisely, you can call them coffee break shmups.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57.7%, Action 42.3%
- #17 Space Pirate Amai
85% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2018
Dev: Rockets and Cats
Windows
Old school 2d shooter with crazy music by the indie band 8bit Phantom Galactic! -Challenging retro space shooter -Fight your way through various stages and enemies. -Intense Boss fight! -Master the use of your shield to survive. -Use powerups to upgrade your ship's weapons!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61.8%, Action 38.2%
- #18 Stargunner
84% matchVery Positive81% of 154 reviews2014
Dev: Apogee Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 18 minMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 32%
In the far distant future, an epic war for survival takes place... Deep within the Andromeda galaxy, the people of Zile grow restless and greedy. The Zilions secretly prepare for a massive strike against the nearby planet Ytima. Fearing such an attack, the Ytimians train an elite squad of "Stargunners.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 64.3%, Action 35.7%
- #19 LIGHT
83% matchMixed60% of 10 reviews2018
Dev: Indie Light
Windows
Not known what year it is, and in which galaxy everything happens. But one thing is known-you must to clear the space of dirty pirates, and their technique. For this, you will have to open the nearest space systems, improve your ship, and of course to shoot a pirate ships.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.8%, Action 40.2%
- #20 Drive to Hell
84% matchMostly Positive77% of 73 reviews2015
Dev: Ghost Crab Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Drive to Hell is an action-packed shooter where you'll take a ride through an army of monsters to exact revenge on the Demon King for destroying your favorite dive bar. Enemies assault from all sides, each with its own special personality and attack style.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60%, Action 40%
- #21 Raptor: Call of the Shadows (1994 Classic Edition)
82% matchVery Positive88% of 239 reviews2014
Dev: Cygnus StudiosPub: Scott Host
Windows · Mac
Median: 12 minMean: 1.9 hrs≥1hr: 25%
Become a mercenary of the future and pilot the super-tech Raptor. Embark on interplanetary missions to knock off top competitors of MegaCorp, battle against hordes of relentless enemies and spend the bounty to expand your devastating arsenal, which can be upgraded with 14 hardcore weapons!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 69.4%, Action 30.6%
- #22 Psyvariar Delta
81% matchVery Positive91% of 64 reviews2019
Dev: CITY CONNECTION
Windows
Thrive on Danger: Master the 'Buzz' to transform peril into pure power. Graze the edge of destruction to fuel your evolution. Harness the fleeting invincibility of each level-up to dive even deeper into the barrage.
Why similar: Action 60.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 39.1%
- #23 Aces of the Luftwaffe
81% matchMixed64% of 169 reviews2015
Dev: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 49%
YOU have to show what you’re made of as the war over Europe is in full swing. Fight waves of Axis planes and panzers until you hit the boss enemies – the ACES OF THE LUFTWAFFE.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.5%, Action 40.5%
- #24 The Blue Flamingo
82% matchMixed45% of 637 reviews2014
Dev: Might and Delight
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 77%
You are ready to challenge pilots from all around the world. Shoot your way through intense levels with swiftly increasing difficulty in a game world completely built with handcrafted models. Invest your score in upgrades or save it to gain interest with the risk of losing it all.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 58%, Action 42%
- #25 Procyon
79% matchVery Positive91% of 131 reviews2014
Dev: Deadly Red Cube
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 95%
It's the future! And humanity is, predictably, under attack by extraterrestrial forces. Lucky for us we have an experimental ship that's never before been flown that will surely...uh, possibly...well, implausibly be able to win the war! All we need now is a pilot or two.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 76.8%, Action 23.2%
- #26 Humans Must Answer
80% matchMixed62% of 63 reviews2014
Dev: Sumom Games
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 2.1 hrs≥1hr: 25%
Dodge, shoot and explode across the Solar System as a crew of intelligent and dangerous chickens. As the pilot of The Golden Eagle, it's your duty to keep Colonel Ram and Professor Bez safe as they squabble about ethics and who last used the toilet. Wage war against humanity as you battle your way towards the Sun to complete your mission.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 61%, Action 39%
- #27 cloudphobia
78% matchMostly Positive76% of 29 reviews2016
Dev: MarsboundPub: Rockin' Android
Windows
In this pulse-pounding arcade style shoot 'em up, players control giant armored robots, loaded with hi-tech weaponry. Chose from two types of mechs: the PLG-90, armed with a high-tech laser rifle or the NúllPunktur with the Vibroblade!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53.1%, Action 46.9%
- #28 AWA
78% matchVery Positive80% of 120 reviews2016
Dev: OMNIDREAM CREATIONS
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
A fast paced shoot-em-up featuring modern military aircraft. Choose one of the eight fighter aircraft and take the battle to the skies throughout nine action-packed stages each with their own end-level special boss.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 80.3%, Action 19.7%
- #29 A Shooty Bit
77% matchMixed69% of 35 reviews2017
Dev: FROGPub: Gameland Studios
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Postsoviet shoot 'em up borne from and reflective of the listlessness that modern, hyperconnected society injects into our selves
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.3%, Action 45.7%
- #30 Astro Tripper
79% matchMixed58% of 69 reviews2011
Dev: PomPomPub: Pom Pom Games
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 21%
Astro Tripper is a furious shoot-em-up experience inspired by the painful, knuckle busting video games of years gone by.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 57%, Action 43%
- #31 Infinos Gaiden
75% matchVery Positive98% of 86 reviews2018
Dev: Picorinne Soft
Windows
The feeling of 90's arcade shooter will come again !! Arcade-like side scroll shooter of 7 stages in all!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 69.3%, Action 30.7%
- #32 Fight High
75% match6 user reviews83% of 6 reviews2020
Dev: Broodling Studios
Windows
If you enjoy absolute chaos, blasting enemies to pieces and being surrounded by an overwhelming amount of enemies then this game is for you! How far can you go?
Why similar: Action 52.2%, Shoot 'Em Up 47.8%
- #33 Castle of Shikigami
77% matchMixed60% of 123 reviews2017
Dev: Cosmo MachiaPub: Cosmo Machia inc.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.9 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Castle of Shikigami is a dark, supernatural vertically-scrolling shoot-’em-up classic. Summer, 2005: Tokyo's Metropolitan Police Force is investigating an occult serial killer. Specialists have been called in to investigate. The case is called “The Castle of Shikigami Incident”.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.5%, Action 43.5%
- #34 Anthea's Justice
61% matchPositive100% of 11 reviews2026
Dev: Karl_SpencerPub: ITNC Games
Windows
The year is 2248. You play as Anthea, a pilot for the Spacing Guild. She's battling a pirate fleet. During the game, you'll need to destroy four leader ships.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 76%, Action 24%
- #35 Iridescence
74% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2018
Dev: Polarity Bear
Windows
Iridescence is a Shoot 'Em Up with a color-changing mechanic, where you dodge and absorb many different colored bullets. It features a painted watercolor theme & features an inventive chaining system. Play through 5 main levels and 30 varied challenge levels!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 51.5%, Action 48.5%
- #36 Zeit²
76% matchPositive83% of 42 reviews2011
Dev: Brightside GamesPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 2.1 hrs≥1hr: 26%
Zeit² brings a new twist to the traditional side-scrolling, 2D, shoot-’em-up game sporting a unique time travel feature never seen before in this genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 69.6%, Action 30.4%
- #37 Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo
73% matchVery Positive99% of 137 reviews2016
Dev: HEYPub: Hanaji Games
Windows · Linux
Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo is a vertical scrolling arcade shoot 'em up following the journey of a lone Mecha through the desolate retro stylized world and the onslaught of enemy waves to reach Veloce, the young genius responsible for the extinction of humankind.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60.1%, Action 39.9%
- #38 Skygrave
63% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Forever61
Windows
Skygrave is an action based arcade style shoot 'em up game (shmup) where you must face the wicked panda-humanoid race called the Xiph, who are hell bent on invading and destroying your world.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60.5%, Action 39.5%
- #39 Monster Blast Infinity
62% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2025
Dev: EntwicklerX
Windows
Shoot waves of monstersFight your way from wave to wave and kill all the monsters. Collect coins to buy weapons, ammunition and special items like dynamite or gun turrets in the shop machine. Be quick, because the shop is only open for 30 seconds between each wave. Each level has four rounds.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60.1%, Action 39.9%
- #40 Ginga Force
69% matchVery Positive81% of 234 reviews2020
Dev: QutePub: Rising Star Games
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 7.7 hrs≥1hr: 47%
Fight over the Earth-like planet of Seventia and its scarce resources of Septonium. A vertical shoot ’em up at its core with an added focus towards immersive storytelling. Follow the story of Alex and Margaret, two exceptional pilots, for the first time on Steam.
Why similar: Action 51.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 48.6%
- #41 Chronoblast : Maximum Force
62% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Team NortyPub: Norty Games
Windows
Chronoblast Maximum Force is a fast paced bullet shooter inspired by arcade classics. Keep your finger on the trigger at all times in this challenging arcade game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.1%, Action 43.9%
- #42 Risk System
70% matchPositive95% of 41 reviews2019
Dev: Newt Industries, LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
High speed kinetic action. Danger is the best offense!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.9%, Action 40.1%
- #43 EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 WINGDIVER THE SHOOTER
72% matchMixed66% of 261 reviews2018
Dev: CloudsPub: D3PUBLISHER
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 88%
The story from behind the scenes of EDF 4.1 unravels here. The EDF series is back with new feelings of despair and bug-slaying satisfaction as you fight your way through never-ending swarms of giant insects in a vertical scrolling shoot 'em up!
Why similar: Action 61.4%, Shoot 'Em Up 38.6%
- #44 70s-style Robot Anime Geppy-X
55% matchVery Positive95% of 57 reviews2026
Dev: Implicit ConversionsPub: Bliss Brain
Windows
A fully remastered 70s-style super robot anime meets fast-paced arcade-style 2D side-scrolling shooter action. A Japanese cult classic finally available worldwide — now reborn in HD.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 69.9%, Action 30.1%
- #45 DECONSTRUCTION
61% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Lazy Knight
Windows
DECONSTRUCTION is a fast-paced, hardcore, shooting game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.8%, Action 40.2%
- #46 Tastrion
63% matchPositive95% of 19 reviews2024
Dev: Remorasoft
Windows
Pilot the all-powerful cell destroying Desolazor gunship and eradicate the mutagenic genotoxic pathogen before it consumes the entire galaxy. Soar through waves of threatening enemies and bosses beyond 6 stages packed with action, explosions, and lasers!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 70.6%, Action 29.4%
- #47 HellStar Squadron
71% matchPositive85% of 26 reviews2018
Dev: CosmicCrystal Games
Windows
Embark on an adventure through space with the ferocious HELLSTAR SQUADRON. Dodge wave after wave of bullets, shoot the demons back to hell, and save the galaxy in this fresh, retro shoot 'em up/bullet hell experience!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 66.8%, Action 33.2%
- #48 HORGIHUGH (ホーギーヒュー)
70% matchMixed67% of 18 reviews2019
Dev: PiXELPub: LionWing Publishing
Windows
HORGIHUGH is a horizontal side-scrolling shoot 'em up from Japanese developer PiXEL featuring vibrant retro graphics, intense boss battles, a unique power-up system, and an adorable roster of anthropomorphic characters.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 59.3%, Action 40.7%
- #49 Cyber Seraph
69% matchPositive88% of 16 reviews2020
Dev: Cosmic Void
Windows
The alien invaders have launched their final offensive on an already crippled Terra. Only one brave pilot can turn the tide of war. Cyber Seraph is a boss focused vertical shoot 'em up with unlockable abilities.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 74.7%, Action 25.3%
- #50 Lunyatic Invaders
55% match8 user reviews100% of 8 reviews2026
Dev: kanajalab
Windows
What is that... a cat!? A mysterious enemy has invaded from outer space. Break through a storm of bullets in your super fighter in this unique full-scale shooting game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60.5%, Action 39.5%
- #51 Verisim Skies
63% matchPositive100% of 23 reviews2023
Dev: Carry-On Games
Windows
Verisim Skies is a Vertical Shoot 'Em Up with an emphasis on story and cinematic action. Go forth, Champion. Find your purpose. Fulfill your destiny. Accept your fate.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 76%, Action 24%
- #52 Flight of the Paladin
73% matchMixed52% of 402 reviews2015
Dev: Grizzly Wolf Games LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Flight of the Paladin is a fast-paced top-down shooter where you play as a knight of valor and light vanquishing the nightmarish creatures of darkness. Featuring multiple game modes, Steam Achievements and Leaderboards!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 64.3%, Action 35.7%
- #53 SHOOTING CHICKEN BRUTAL SUCKERS
68% match7 user reviews71% of 7 reviews2020
Dev: KoheiGallery
Windows
Makoto Yonekura, a new waitress, is a bright girl in Noh weather.Contrary to its appearance, it is a survival game girl who uses powerful weapons!She will do her best to crush the rampaging chickens for the beloved chief!
Why similar: Action 50.6%, Shoot 'Em Up 49.4%
- #54 Levitar 3D
55% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2026
Dev: Les Bird
Windows · Mac
A 3D gravity shooter with infinite procedurally generated levels and hints of Thrust, Gravitar and Lunar Lander.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 60.8%, Action 39.2%